Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PIB Chandigarh organizes Media Workshop – “Vartalap” with millet lunch in Malerkotla, Punjab
India has the potential of providing skilled workforce across the globe: ADG Rajinder Chaudhry
Media is the most efficient mechanism to inform people regarding the policies and schemes of the government, says Asstt Commissioner, Gurmeet Bansal
“Media is the eyes and ears for the Government as it gathers feedback that helps in improving the existing schemes and policies”, said Additional Director General, PIB Chandigarh Shri Rajinder Chaudhry while attending the Media Workshop “Vartalap” organized by Press Information Bureau  Chandigarh at Malerkotla today. The workshop was organized to sensitize journalists about various Central Government schemes meant for the welfare of common citizens. Titled “Vartalap”, the workshop is part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s media outreach strategy and is conceptualized to act as a bridge between the masses and the government by empowering journalists with authentic information about Govt. schemes and policies.
In an attempt to bolster the uses of millets in our daily lives and highlight the coming of the ‘International Year of Millets’, PIB Chandigarh had also arranged ‘Kodo ki Poori’ and ‘Kodo ka Halwa’ at the event.
ADG Chaudhry during the interaction also said that India has the potential to provide skilled workforce to the globe. He also said that the journalists should amplify the information shared by various government agencies and help propagate the message of development among the masses. He also spoke about PIB Fact Check which can help negate fake news while giving a detailed presentation about the working of PIB and other allied media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Stressing on the importance of Social Media in today’s times, he said, “Social media is now an extremely powerful tool for information dissemination. However, we must be cautious of fake news and misinformation and we must share only verified information.”
The event also saw the presence of Asst. Commissioner, Sh Gurmeet Bansal who spoke on the importance of media interaction with government. “Media’s role in information dissemination is paramount. It is the most efficient mechanism to inform people of the policies and schemes of the government. Also, media is instrumental in taking the feedback of the people to the government”, he said.
Sh. Harshit Narang, Asstt Director, PIB Chandigarh also urged the media for greater contribution in nation building through timely and accurate information dissemination to the masses with the aim to take the region ahead in all developmental indicators.
Sh. Nikhlesh Jain from the Education department spoke about the New Education Policy and the need for improving school infrastructure. He also emphasised the need for skill based training of the youth to increase their employability.
Sh. Raspinder Singh, a millet growing farmer, shared valuable insights on the history, cultivation and benefits of millets. “Millet is rich in niacin, which helps our body manage more than 400 enzyme reactions. Niacin is also important for healthy skin and organ function. Millet is also an excellent source of beta-carotene. This natural pigment acts as an antioxidant, helping your body fight off free radicals and supporting the health of your eyes”, he informed.
Giving a detailed presentation on the government schemes in the health sector, Sh. Jagjit Singh, SMO, said, “We have plethora of government schemes and policies available in the health sector. The only limitation is in information. People don’t even know about the schemes available for them. With the help of media, these schemes will reach the general public.”
Later, an engaging interactive session was held with the journalists. A comprehensive feedback was also collected from them taking inputs and suggestions on improving the ‘Vartalap’. The Media Workshop saw an active participation of more than 50 journalists from the city.